Interactive animated characters

ABSTRACT

A very compact interactive animated character is provided that provides highly life-like and intelligent seeming interaction with the user thereof. The animated character can take the form of a small animal-like creature having a variety of moving body parts including a smile/emotion assembly which are coordinated to exhibit life-like emotional states by precisely controlling and synchronizing their movements in response to external sensed conditions. The animated character also includes sound generating circuitry to generate speech sounds as well as sounds associated with various emotional states, which are coordinated with a lip sync assembly simulating speech mouth movement. The drive system utilizes first and second reversible motors which are able to power and precisely coordinate the lip sync assembly producing speech mouth movement, with the movable parts and the smile/emotion assembly to produce life-like interactions and emotional expressions.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to interactive toys and, moreparticularly, to animated characters that can perform movements withbody parts thereof in a precisely controlled and coordinated manner inresponse to external sensed conditions.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

One major challenge with toys in general is keeping a child interestedin playing with the toy for more than a short period of time. To thisend, toy dolls and animals have been developed that can talk and/or havemoving body parts. The goal with these devices is to provide a playthingthat appears to interact with the child when they play with the toy.

Whereas prior art interactive toys have several moving parts, thelife-like action attributed to these moving parts is due to the randomnature of their movements with respect to each other as the individualparts tend to move in a predictable cyclic action; in other words, thereis no control over the motion of a specific part individually on commandin prior toys, and highly controlled coordination of one part with themovement of other parts is generally not done. Emotion has provendifficult to capture with conventional mechanical actuators, and thus itwould be desirable to provide better coordinated constituent assembliesto exhibit life-like emotional states by precisely controlling andsynchronizing their movements in response to external sensed conditions.Moreover, coordination with sound generating circuitry would bedesirable to generate speech sounds as well as sounds associated withvarious emotional states that are coordinated with a lip synchronizationsimulating speech and mouth movements. Thus, there is a need for ananimated character that provides for more precisely controlled andcoordinated movements between its various moving parts and allows forindividual parts to be moved in a more realistic manner.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, a very compact animatedcharacter is provided that provides highly life-like and intelligentseeming interaction with the user thereof. The animated character cantake the form of a small animal-like creature having a variety of movingbody parts including a smile/emotion assembly which are coordinated toexhibit life-like emotional states by precisely controlling andsynchronizing their movements in response to external sensed conditions.The animated character also includes sound generating circuitry togenerate speech sounds as well as sounds associated with variousemotional states, which are coordinated with a lip sync assemblysimulating speech mouth movement. The drive system utilizes first andsecond reversible motors which are able to power and preciselycoordinate the lip sync assembly producing speech mouth movement, withthe movable parts and the smile/emotion assembly to produce life-likeinteractions and emotional expressions.

More particularly, the drive system that powers the movement of thecharacter body parts, e.g. eye, brow, mouth, ear, plume, chest, and footassemblies, includes a mouth assembly on the front facial area includinga flexible molded material having upper and lower mouth portions andhaving first and second opposing corners thereof. The animated characterhas a lip sync assembly to simulate speech mouth movement that isindependently controlled and coordinated with the movable partsresulting in coordinated speech mouth movement with the desiredlife-like emotional states. A first mouth mechanism is operable with themouth assembly for controlling the first and second corners of the mouthassembly to define smile/emotion states of the mouth assembly responsiveto external input from sensed conditions of the plurality of sensors. Asecond mouth mechanism is further operable with the mouth assembly forcontrolling the upper and lower mouth portions to provide lipsynchronism response to the multisyllabic words generated with the soundgenerating circuitry.

The drive system that powers movement of the first and second mouthmechanisms thus uses each of these mechanisms independently to simulatelife-like responses to sensed conditions, at least one of which may alsobe used for causing movement of another of movable body parts inaddition to the first or second mechanisms. The cams have surfaces thatare programmed for very precise and controlled movements of the bodyparts in particular ranges of shaft movements such that generally everypoint on a particular cam surface has meaning to the controller in termsof what type of movement the body part is undergoing and where it needsto be for its subsequent movement, or for when the body part is toremain stationary. In this manner, the controller can coordinatemovements of the body parts to provide the animated character withdifferent states such as sleeping, waking or excited states. Further,the controller is provided with sound generating circuitry forgenerating words that complement the different states such as snoring inthe sleeping state or various exclamations in the excited state. Inaddition, the programmed surfaces of the cam mechanisms are preferablyprovided on the walls of slots with the cam mechanisms includingfollowers that ride in the slots.

The animated character herein is also capable of playing games with theuser in a highly interactive and intelligent seeming manner. These andother advantages are realized with the described interactive plaything.The invention advantages may be best understood from the followingdetailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying flowcharts of Appendix A and the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the animated character body showing thevarious components thereof;

FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C illustrate independently driven Lip Sync andSmile/emotion actuator linkages to simulate life-like responses inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate controls activation of reversible motors toenable the animated character to exhibit speech and expression ofemotional states simultaneously;

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate mechanical cam and gear positioning andcontrol including the left and right ear cam members respectively;

FIG. 5 illustrates the animated character from a front elevational viewto show emotional states of the mouth assembly;

FIG. 6 illustrates actuation of the upper and lower mouth portions ofthe mouth assembly and including a tongue member;

FIG. 7 illustrates positioning of plume, brow and eye assemblies, andthe pinion gear of the ear assembly;

FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate the gear train transmission portion of thedrive system to show the optical counting assembly;

FIG. 10 illustrates the positioning of the movable body parts expressingvarious emotional states as the first control shaft rotates in aclockwise direction; and

FIG. 11 shows a schematic block diagram of the embedded processorcircuitry which includes information processing and voice speechsynthesis functionality in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

An animated character 100 as shown in FIGS. 1-4, has a number of movableparts, generally designated 102, which are coordinated to exhibitlife-like emotional states by precisely controlling and synchronizingtheir movements in response to external sensed conditions. The animatedcharacter 100 also has a lip sync assembly 140 to simulate speech mouthmovement that is independently controlled and coordinated with themovable parts 102 resulting in seemingly intelligent and highlylife-like interaction with the user. The animated character's lip syncassembly 140 and movable body parts 102 are controlled and coordinatedin response to predetermined sensory inputs detected by various sensors,generally designated 104 (where in figures?).

The sensors 104 signal a controller or processor circuitry 400,described hereinafter, which controls a drive systems 106 forcoordinating speech mouth movement with the desired life-like emotionalstates. The drive system 106, utilizes two, low power reversibleelectric motors, 108 & 110, which are able to power and preciselycontrol the lip sync assembly 140 and the movable parts 102 to producelife-like interactions and emotional expressions. Further, the controlprocessor circuitry 400 includes sound generating circuitry to generatespeech sounds as well as sounds associated with various emotionalstates, such as a laugh, gasp, sigh, growl & snore, etc. coordinatedwith speech mouth movement driven by the lip sync assembly 140 andmovement of the various body parts 102 of the animated character 100. Aprior form of the device was available from the Assignee herein underthe name “Furby” ™, for which prior issued U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,544,098,6,537,128, 6,514,117, 6,497,607, 6,149,490 for “Interactive toy” toHampton et al. of Applicant's Assignee are hereby incorporated byreference in their entirety.

The animated character 100, as seen in FIG. 1, includes a main body 112which has a relatively small and compact form and which contains, in aninterior thereof 114, the drive system 106 and all the circuitry andvarious linkages for generating speech and sounds, and for activatingthe lip sync assembly 140 and moving body parts 102 in a coordinatedmanner for seemingly intelligent and life-like interaction with theuser. The sensors 104 effectively detect predetermined externalconditions and signal the control processor circuitry 400 of theanimated character 100 which then controls activation of reversiblemotors 108 & 110, as seen in FIGS. 3A &3B, to enable the animatedcharacter 100 to exhibit speech and expression of emotional statessimultaneously. The animated character 100 responds to being held,petted, and tickled. The child can pet the animated character's tummy,rub its back, rock it, and play with it, e.g., via sensory inputbuttons. Whenever the child does these things, the animated characterwill speak and make sounds using the speech synthesizer.

Many of the movable body parts 102 of the animated character 100 hereinare provided in a front facial area 117 toward the upper end 116 of theanimated character body 112. The facial area contains eye and eye lidassemblies 123 and 124 respectively and mouth assembly 126, with a browassembly 122 adjacent thereto, as seen in FIG. 1. The movable body parts102 of the animated character 100 herein also include an ear assembly118, including left and right movable ear devices 132 and 133respectively, set apart from one another and adjacent the brow assembly122, and a plume assembly 120 also adjacent the brow assembly 122 anddisposed generally between movable ear devices 132 and 133. The animatedcharacter 100 also includes a movable chest assembly 128 toward a lowerend 115 of the body 112, and a movable foot assembly 130 adjacentthereto.

A face frame 119 is mounted to the body 112 in an upper opening andincludes a pair of upper eye openings and a lower mouth opening centeredtherebelow (openings not shown). An eye assembly 123 is providedincluding a pair of semi-spherical eyeballs 248 and 250 sized to fit inthe eye openings of the frame 119 and pivotally attached thereto viapivot eye shafts 252 and 254 respectively. Thus, the pivot shafts 252and 254 are spaced forwardly and vertically higher than a first controlshaft 136 (discussed further below) and extends perpendicular thereto.

Movement of each body part 102 is driven either by motor 108, as seen inFIG. 3A, via a cam operating mechanism, generally designated 134, or bymotor 110, as seen in FIGS. 2C and 3B, via a shuttle gear 142. In anembodiment, the cam operating mechanism 134, driven by motor 108,rotates a first control shaft 136 fixed to the interior 114 of the mainbody 112, and attached thereto are cam mechanisms, generally designated138. The first shaft 136 is rotated when the motor 108 is activated viagear train transmission 278 by meshing of worm gear 280 with peripheralteeth 282 a of a gear cam member 282 fixed on and for rotation with thefirst control shaft 136, as seen in FIG. 4B.

More specifically, cam mechanisms 138 are associated with the earassembly 118, the plume assembly 120, the brow assembly 122, the eye lidassembly 124, the eye assembly 125, the smile/emotion assembly 126, andthe chest assembly 128, coordinating the movement of the aforementionedassemblies for the expression of various life-like emotional states.Simultaneously, motor 110, rotates the shuttle gear 142 associated witha second control shaft 139 in one direction driving movement of the lipsync assembly 140 simulating speech mouth movement, or rotates theshuttle gear 142 and associated second control shaft 139 in an oppositedirection driving movement of the foot assembly 130. The dual motorsystem of the present embodiment, separates the lip sync assembly 140operations from operations of the movable body parts 102 associated withthe first control shaft 136 and cam operating mechanisms 138. Thus anyspeech generated by animated character 100 can be combined andcoordinated with any of the exhibited life-like emotional states, suchthat the animated character 100 is able to coordinate the same speechwith any exhibited emotional state, and likewise, coordinate differentspeech with the same emotional state.

Cam mechanisms 138 each include a disc-shaped cam member and a followeror actuator linkage thereof. More specifically, and referencing FIG. 4Bwith respect to the ear assembly 118, an ear cam mechanism 144 isprovided including left and right ear cam members 146 and 150respectively. Left ear cam member 146 (shared with left smile/emotioncam member as set forth herein) is fixed on shaft 136, rotates aboutaxis 136 a and has an arcuate slot 154 formed on one side thereof,defined by slot wall 156 and including programmed cam surfaces 156 awhich engages a left ear cam follower 148. More specifically, a followerpin 158 projecting from left ear cam follower 148 rides in slot 154against cam surfaces 156 a as shaft 136 is rotated by motor 108. Leftear cam follower 148 has a window 160 through which shaft 136 extendsand projects perpendicular to axis 136 a thereof. At an upper end of thefollower 148 are teeth 162 for engagement with a pinion gear 164 (shownin FIG. 7) which also engages left movable ear device 132, providingpivoting movement of left movable ear device 132 upon rotation of shaft136 which generates vertical up and down movement of the follower member148. Right ear cam member 150 and follower 152 are fixed on shaft 136 atan end opposite left ear cam member 146 and follower 148 and engage andpivot right movable ear device 133 in the same manner though similarmechanisms as described herein for pivoting left movable ear device 132.

Left and right movable ear devices 132 and 133 respectively, are able tobend forward and back in addition to their pivoting action upon rotationof the control shaft 136. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3B) left movable eardevice 132 includes a flexible strip 166 that has a first surface 168and second surface 170 and at least one plate 172 connected to eachfirst and second surface 168 and 170 respectively. A first elongateddevice 174, made of a flexible material, intersects at least one plate172 on the first surface 168 of device 132 and connects to a first leveron an ear actuator. Upon rotation of the shaft 136, the ear actuator isrotated in a first direction about a drive axis fixed relative to theanimated character body and connected to the first elongated device 174engaging at least one plate 172 on the first surface 168 pulling theelongated device 174 toward the ear actuator thus bending forward theleft movable ear device 132. A second elongated device 176, also made offlexible material, intersects at least one plate 172 on the secondsurface 170 of device 132 and connects to a second lever on the earactuator. When the ear actuator is rotated in a direction opposite thefirst direction upon rotation of shaft 136, second elongated device 176engages at least one plate 172 on the second surface 170 and is pulledtoward the ear actuator thus bending back the left movable ear device132.

Right movable ear device 133 also bends forward and back upon rotationof control shaft 136 in the same manner through similar mechanisms asdescribed herein for bending left movable ear device 132. A prior formof a movable appendage was available from the Assignee herein for whichprior issued U.S. Pat. No. 6,773,327 for “Apparatus for actuating a toy”to Felice et al. issued Aug. 10, 2004 to Applicant's Assignee is herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety with reference to apparatusfor an appendage including a moveable device within a toy appendage thatis attached to a body of a toy and an actuator connected to the moveabledevice. The actuator is configured to rotate the moveable device about adrive axis that is fixed relative to the body of the toy. The actuatoris configured to rotate at least a first portion of the moveable devicerelative to at least a second portion of the moveable device about adevice axis that is fixed relative to the moveable device.

The mouth assembly 126 includes a first mouth mechanism herein thesmile/emotion assembly 127 and a second mouth mechanism herein the lipsync assembly 140 which are operate with the mouth assembly 126 toindependently drive two different types of mouth movement. The mouthassembly 126 has a mouth member 196 comprised of substantially identicalupper and lower mouth portions 204 and 206, covered with a flexiblemolded material, in the form of upper and lower halves of a beak in thepresent embodiment, as seen in FIGS. 2A and 2B. Thus the molded flexibleelastomeric mouth includes upper and lower lips having center portionsand opposite side corners where the lips meet. The mouth has attachmentpoints at the center portions and corners. The first animation mechanismprovides for animating the mouth for simulated talking movement bymoving the attachment points at the center portions. The secondanimating mechanism, independent from the first animating mechanism,provides for moving the attachment points at the corners to simulatemouth movement corresponding to facial expression. Accordingly, thefirst and second animating mechanisms act to distort the elastomericmouth to achieve simulated talking movement and facial expression as theanimating mechanisms are operated and for providing simulated talkingmovement or facial expression, or a combination thereof as the animatingmechanisms are operated. As discussed herein, the elastomeric mouth hasa neutral undeformed position, wherein the second animating mechanismmoves the attachment points at the corners to deform the elastomericmouth from the neutral undeformed position. The smile/emotion assembly127 attaches to left and right corners 198 and 200 respectfully, of themouth member 196 to achieve a first type of mouth movement. Thesmile/emotion assembly 127 moves corners 198 and 200 of the mouth member196 in a vertical up direction toward the upper end 116 of the main body112 and a vertical down direction toward the lower end 115 of the mainbody, such that the mouth member 196 appears to smile, or frown, orneither, as seen in FIG. 5.

A smile/emotion cam mechanism 178 drives the vertical up and downmovement of the smile/emotion assembly 127 and includes a left cammember 146 (shared with left ear cam member as set forth herein) and aright cam member 179 as shown in FIG. 4B. Left smile/emotion cam member146 has an arcuate slot formed on a side opposite arcuate slot 154,including programmed cam surfaces which engage a pin 186 of a leftsmile/emotion follower 184 as shaft 136 is rotated by motor 108.Smile/emotion follower 184 is L-shaped and includes a first arm 188 witha window 190 through which shaft 136 extends, and a second arm 192 whichprojects forward substantially perpendicular to axis 136 a thereof.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate independently driven Lip Sync andSmile/emotion actuator linkages to simulate life-like responses. Asshown, a distal end 193 of projected second arm 192 connects to alinkage 194 attached to the left corner 198 of the mouth member 196moving the left corner 198 in a vertical up and down fashion uponrotation of shaft 136. Likewise, the right corner 200 of mouth member196 is moved vertically up and down in synchronization with the leftcorner 198 in the same manner and through similar mechanisms asdescribed for the left corner 198 of mouth member 196. Thus, the mouthmember 196 is able to change expressions between a smile, frown, andneutral states upon rotation of first control shaft 136.

The second mouth mechanism herein the lip sync assembly 140 attaches toupper and lower mouth portions 204 and 206 respectively, of mouth member196 to achieve a second type of mouth movement. In particular, FIG. 2Cillustrates motor 110 driving movement of the foot assembly 130 throughactivation of the shuttle gear 142 and rotation of the second controlshaft 139 in a direction opposite the rotation which drives the lip syncassembly 140 as well as discussed further below. Motor 110 activatesshuttle gear 142 and associated second control shaft 139 driving the lipsync assembly 140 to open and close the mouth member 196, such that theupper and lower mouth portions 204 and 206 respectively, move away fromand toward each other in order to simulate speech mouth movement whichis coordinated with speech sounds, by the control processor circuitry400. The mouth portions 204 and 206 include upper and lower pairs ofoppositely facing hook-shaped coupling portions 216 to allow anassociated actuator 218, to cause opening and closing movement of themouth portions 204 and 206 upon rotation of second control shaft 139, asseen in FIG. 6 and discussed further below. Thus, to achieve the entirerange of mouth movement of the mouth member 196 both motors 108 and 110activate at the same time, simultaneously achieving two types of mouthmovement. As a result, the mouth member 192, coordinated by the controlprocessor circuitry 400 according to predetermined conditions, seeminglyappears to speak with coordinated speech mouth movement synchronizedwith the appropriate mouth expression such as a smile, frown or neutralstate, providing seemingly intelligent interaction with the user.

The upper and lower mouth portions 204 and 206 are pivotally mounted onshaft 208 by rear semi-circular boss portions thereof spaced on eitherside of the mouth portions 204 and 206 so as to provide space for atongue member 210 therebetween, as seen in FIG. 6. The tongue member 210includes an intermediate annular bearing portion 212 through which thepivot shaft 208 extends and has a rearwardly extending switch actuatorportion 214 so that depressing the tongue 210 pivots the portion 214 foractuating the tongue sensor assembly. Referring to FIG. 6, the tonguesensor assembly is illustrated. As previously discussed, the tonguemember 210 that has an actuator portion 214 that projects rearwardly andpivots. The switch actuator portion 214 extends further in the rearwarddirection than the forward tongue portion 210 and is designed so thatnormally the switch actuator portion 214 is in its lower position andthe tongue portion 210 is disposed for activation to simulate feedingthe animated character 100.

The eye lid assembly 124, as shown in FIG. 7 includes upper and lowerlid portions 220 and 222 respectively, pivotally mounted on shaft 224interconnecting the pair of eyelids. Assembly 124 has associated eye lidcam mechanism 226 which includes a cam member 228 fixed on shaft 136having an arcuate slot 230 defined by slot walls 232. An eyelid camfollower 234 includes a pin 236 projecting therefrom for engagement withcam surfaces 232 a on slot walls 232. The cam follower 234 has a window238 through which shaft 136 extends and projects forwardly from theshaft 136 substantially perpendicular to axis 136 a thereof. Toward theforward end of the cam follower 234 are a pair of vertically spacedflexible arcuate arm portions 240 having small pairs of pivot pinportions 242 extending oppositely and laterally from forked distal endstherof spaced forwardly of the shaft 136 and extending parallel thereto,for engagement with upper and lower lid portions 220 and 222.

Accordingly, rotation of shaft 136 rotates cam member 228 with pin 236riding in slot 230 thereof to cause the follower 234 to translate in afore and aft direction while engaged with upper and lower lid portions220 and 222. The follower shifting forwardly causes upper and lower lidportions 220 and 222 to move away from one another and seemingly closethe eyes of animated character 100, and the follower 234 shiftingrearwardly causes the lid portions 220 and 222 to move toward each otherseemingly opening the eyes of animated character 100.

The eye assembly 123, as also seen in FIG. 7, has left and right eyeballs 248 and 250 respectively, pivotally mounted on left and right eyeshafts 252 and 254 respectively, and associated with barrel cam 146mounted on first control shaft 136. Shafts 252 and 254 fit into follower255 which has shaft 257 that engages barrel cam 146, for back and forthsideways movement of left and right eye balls 248 and 250 respectively,as first control shaft 136 is rotated.

Further expressive features of the animated character 100 which aredriven for movement by rotation of the first control shaft 136 includethe plume assembly 120 and the brow assembly 122. The plume assembly 120and the brow assembly 122 are pivotally attached to a brow bracket 278fixed to the upper end 116 of the body 112. The plume assembly 120 asseen in FIGS. 1 and 7 has a plume member 256 which pivots about a shaft258 and is associated with plume cam mechanism 260 including plume cammember 262. Cam member 262 is fixed on shaft 136 and includes an arcuateslot 264 defined by slot walls 266. Plume follower 268 includes a pin270 projecting therefrom for engagement with slot surfaces 264 a on slotwalls 264. Plume follower 268 has a window 272 through which shaft 136extends and projects upwardly from the shaft 136 substantiallyperpendicular to the axis 136 a thereof. At an upper end of follower 268is a offset bent hook portion 274 having a shaft 276 for engagement withan end of plume member 256, such that rotation of first control shaft136 translates into a vertical up and down movement of follower 268causing attached plume member 256 to pivot in a back and forth fashion.

The brow assembly 122 as seen in FIGS. 1 and 7 has an eyebrow member 280pivotally attached to brow bracket 278 and is associated with brow cammechanism 283 including brow cam member 284. Cam member 284 is fixed onshaft 136 and includes an arcuate slot 286 defined by slot walls 288.Brow follower 290 includes a pin 292 projecting therefrom for engagementwith slot surfaces 288 a on slot walls 288. Brow follower 290 has awindow 294 through which shaft 136 extends and projects upwardly fromthe shaft 136 substantially perpendicular to the axis 136 a thereof. Atan upper end of follower 290 is a hook portion 296 having a shaft 298for engagement with eyebrow member 280, such that rotation of firstshaft 136 translates into a vertical up and down movement of follower290 causing attached eyebrow member 280 to pivot in a vertical up anddown fashion.

A chest assembly 128, as seen in FIG. 1, includes an apertured discactuator 320 having an upper arm portion 322 attached to aspeaker/speaker grill 324 fixed to a chest portion 328 movably fixed toa bracket (not shown) which in turn is rigidly mounted to the animatedcharacter body 112. The disc actuator 320 is made of a plastic materialand the arm portion 322 thereof spaces the disc actuator 320 forwardlyof the speaker grill 324. The speaker grill 324 is preferably of aplastic material with arm portions thereof spaced forwardly allowing thedisc actuator 320 to be flexibly and resiliently shifted or pushed backand forth. The chest assembly 128 is associated with cam mechanism 330including cam member 332 fixed to first control shaft 136, and follower334 having a window 336 an end of the follower through which shaft 136extends. Follower 334 further includes a hook portion 338 at an endopposite the window 336 which couples to the chest portion 328, suchthat the chest portion 328 moves in and out with respect to thecharacter body 112 as the first control shaft 136 is rotated.

The animated character 100 also includes a foot assembly 130 including apair of feet 300, as seen in FIG. 2C, that are movable relative to theanimated character body 112 which allows the animated character to rockback and forth and, if done repetitively, gives the appearance that theanimated character 100 is dancing. Motor 110 drives movement of thefoot-assembly 130 through activation of the shuttle gear 142 androtation of the second control shaft 139 in a direction opposite therotation which drives the lip sync assembly 140. The foot assembly 130also includes a battery compartment (not shown). As the splinedconnection between the shaft and pinion portions allows for relativemotion such as when a child grabs the feet 300 during movement thereof.It is possible for a particular shaft to become out of alignment,however the splined connection will allow subsequent movement of feet300 in alignment with each other absent a braking force applied thereto.

The control processor circuitry 400 is able to precisely control anddetermine the position of the first control shaft 136 when the motor 108is activated; however, it is also desirable to avoid the expense andmoving parts of utilizing a closed loop servo mechanism for providingthe necessary feedback. The drive system 106 of an embodiment hereininstead includes an optical counting assembly 302 which counts intervalsof the rotation of a slotted gear wheel 304 in gear train transmissionof the drive system 106, as seen in FIGS. 8 and 9. The gear wheel 304 ismounted at the lower end of a common vertical shaft 306 having worm gear280 formed at its upper end, and is driven for rotation by the upperportion 308 a of intermediate compound gear 308 which, in turn, isdriven for rotation by gear 108 a on the output shaft of the motor 108which drives the larger lower portion 308 b of compound gear 308 forrotation.

For programming of the cam surfaces, modeling of the animatedcharacter's different states is based on puppeteering actions to achievepositions of body parts for generating animated character movements.From the neutral position as a starting point, the cam is designed toactuate the leaf spring switch to zero out the count for the motor on aregular basis. In this manner, the position of the shaft will not becomeout of synchronization, the count of the processor thus being zeroed toprovide for recurrent and regular calibration of the position of theshaft. From the neutral position, rotation/direction is determined tocause certain coordinated movements of various body parts with precisemovements thereof. In this regard, the cams are provided with camsurfaces that have active regions and inactive regions so that in theactive regions, the part associated with the particular cam isundergoing movement, and in the inactive region the part is stationary.

As shown in FIG. 9, an integral IR transmitter element 312 facilitatesoptical servo control. The optical servo control circuitry employing theslotted wheel for generating an infrared light source is used. Thephototransistor is used as an infrared photo detector for generating alight pulse count signal. The IR receiver element 314 is rigidly mountedto the frame of the box-shaped housing portion 314 thereof integrallyformed with frame wall. In this manner, the optical counting assembly302 herein is improved over prior feedback mechanisms that requiremoving parts or impart frictional resistance to motor operation, as theassembly 302 utilizes elements 312 and 314 that are fixed in the bodyinterior using the optical servo control circuitry for controlling theoperation of the motor. By incrementally counting slots 310 in the wheel304 as the wheel 304 is rotated when the motor 108 is activated as theslots 310 pass between an IR transmitter 312 and an IR receiver 314 oneither side of the gear wheel 304, the control processor circuitry 400can receive accurate information regarding the position of the controlshaft 136 for precisely controlling the movements of the body parts 102.Preferably six slots 310 are equally spaced at 60 degree intervals aboutthe wheel 304. In addition, an initialization switch assembly isprovided mechanically affixed to a frame for the cam operating mechanism134 to zero out the count in the control circuitry 400 on a regularbasis when the switch assembly is actuated. In this regard, the opticalcounter assembly counts intervals of the revolutions of an aperturedgear wheel with the use of standard types of IR transmitters andreceivers on either side thereof that are small components fixed inhousings rigidly mounted inside the animated character 100.

Contacts of a leaf spring switch are mounted between the disc 320 andthe speaker grill 324 and affixed thereto. Thus, depressing the disc 320as by pushing or rubbing on the hide of the character thereover causesengagement of the contact strips which signals the processor circuitry400. Actuating a front sensor assembly can simulate tickling of theanimated character 100 in its belly region.

As previously stated, cam surfaces of the cam mechanisms 138 herein areprovided with precise predetermined shapes which are coordinated withthe programming of the processor circuitry 400 so that at every point ofthe cam surfaces, the processor circuitry 400 can be used to determinethe position of the moving body parts 102 associated therewith. In thismanner, the animated character 100 can be provided with a number ofdifferent expressions to simulate different predetermined physical andemotional states. For instance, changes in emotional expressions ofanimated character 100 upon rotation of first control shaft 136 areprovided as shown in FIG. 10, and are described herein with reference tolife-like expressions.

A neutral position is provided at a zero degree position of the controlshaft 136 wherein the eyes lids 220 and 222 are open, the ear devices132 and 133 are up at a forty-five degree angle, the chest is in, theplume 256 is down, and the mouth corners 198 and 200 and brow are inneutral positions neither up nor down. A happy expression is provided ata thirty-six slot count clockwise rotation of the control shaft 136wherein the eye lids 220 and 222 are open the ear devices 132 and 133are pivoted up to a twenty-five degree angle, the chest is in, the plume256 is up, the mouth corners 198 and 200 are up in a smile, and the browis up. A surprised expression is provided at a seventy-two slot countclockwise rotation of the control shaft 136 wherein the eyes lids 220and 222 are wide open, the ear devices 132 and 133 remain up at atwenty-five degree angle, the chest is in, the plume 256 is up, themouth corners 198 and 200 are in a neutral position neither up nor down,and the brow remains up. A sad expression is provided at a one hundredeight slot count rotation of the control shaft 136 wherein the eyes lids220 and 222 lower to open, the ear devices 132 and 133 are down at aninety degree angle, the chest is in, the plume 256 is down, the mouthcorners 198 and 200 are down in a frown, and the brow remains up. Anangry expression is provided at a one hundred forty-four slot countrotation of the control shaft 136 wherein the eyelids 220 and 222 arenarrow, the ear devices 132 and 133 are down at a ninety degree angle,the chest is about thirty percent out, the plume 256 is up, the mouthcorners 198 and 200 are down in a frown, and the brow is down. A sleepexpression is provided at a one hundred eighty slot count rotation ofthe control shaft 136 wherein the eye lids 220 and 222 are wide open,the ear devices 132 and 133 are up at a forty-five degree angle, thechest is about fifty percent out (i.e., the chest is fully out at a onehundred sixty-eight rotation of control shaft 136) the plume 256 isdown, the mouth corners 198 and 200 and brow are in neutral positionsneither up nor down. Total slot count for 1 revolution of cam system is206 counts (0 to 205).

The embedded microprocessor circuit for the animated character 100 isidentified in FIG. 11 as the processor circuitry 400. The schematicblock diagram of FIG. 11 shows the embedded processor circuitry inaccordance with the present embodiment in which an information processor402 CMOS integrated circuit providing the RISC processor and read onlymemory (ROM). In the present described embodiment, the informationprocessor 402 is provided by Sensory, Inc. (Santa Clara, Calif.) as anRSC-4× Speech Recognition and Synthesis Microcontroller. The informationprocessor 402 provides various functional controls facilitated with onboard static random access memory (SRAM), a timer/counter, input andoutput ports (I/O) as well as an audio current mode Pulse WidthModulator (PWM). The RSC-4× facilitates speech processing with advancedaudio features based on an 8-bit microcontroller. The RSC-4× integratesspeech-optimized digital and analog processing blocks into a single chipsolution capable of accurate speech recognition as well as high quality,low data-rate compressed speech. The RSC-4× information processor 402also provides on-chip integration of a microphone preamplifier, twin-DMAunits, vector accelerator, hardware multiplier, 3 timers, and 4.8 Kbytesof RAM with multiple ROM options.

The circuitry employs wireless transmission 404. The input/output (I/O)port of the information processor 402 is capacitively coupled to thedata lines from the port of the information processor 402. Capacitivecoupling methods are employed to initiate simple wireless communicationbetween two bodies by placing them within a few inches apart. Forexample, communication is facilitated through the use of two smallplates (406, 408) about 0.75 square inches in size and mounted side byside about ½ inch apart horizontally. A receiver amplifier 410 isprovided as a receiver module preamplifier, herein Waitrony Module No.WPI-T2100 used for amplification of the capacitively coupled electricalcarrier signals. Accordingly, an emitter plate 406 is used as atransmitter, with the other plate 408 used as a receiver. When locatednear a matching pair of plates, communication can be established byinitiating a capacitive coupling between the aligned plates. Transmitand receive protocol is assigned on the fly (i.e. who talks first). Suchcapacitive coupling techniques know in the art include, e.g., expiredU.S. Pat. No. 4,242,666 to Reschovsky et al. for Range selectablecontactless data acquisition system for rotating machinery, issued Dec.30, 1980 which discloses a multichannel data acquisition system usesradio telemetry for data transfer by providing a capacitive couplinglink between rotating and stationary members with a pulse-code modulatedsignal containing the measured information for transmission through thecapacitive coupling link.

As described, the wireless transmission 404 provides circuitry undercontrol of the speech processing incorporated with the informationprocessor 402 which serves to receive, transmit and process speech andother information. The wireless receive circuit block 408 is coupled tothe information processor 402 for receiving wireless signals from thetransmit circuitry 404 of another animated character device as describedherein.

The information processor 402 is provided for speech and wirelesscommunications capabilities. The RSC-4× speech recognition and synthesisare supported with its Sensory Speech™ 7, providing advanced algorithmshaving substantial on-chip speech recognition algorithms accuracy forspeaker-dependent recognition and as well as for speaker-independentrecognition. Additionally audible speech synthesis is also provided.

The described information processor 402 of FIG. 11 also facilitatesspeech synthesis processing that using integrated microprocessor controlfacilitating music and sound effects as well as speech and systemcontrol functions. Accordingly, the mouth mechanism is operable with themouth assembly for controlling the upper and lower mouth portions toprovide lip synchronism with a Lip Sync switch 422 responsive to themultisyllabic words generated with the sound generating circuitry. Amotor calibration switch is provided as switch 424.

The sound detection and voice recognition are provided via microphone(Mic In 1 and Mic In 2) inputs to allow the information processor 402 toreceive audible information as sensory inputs from the child which isinteracting with the animated character 100. Optical control circuitry412 is used with the motor control circuitry 414 as discussed herein toprovide an electronic motor control interface for controlling theposition and direction of the electric motors. An H-bridge circuit foroperating the motor in either forward or reverse directions. A powercontrol block 416 is used to voltage regulate the battery power to theprocessor CPU, nonvolatile memory (EEPROM) and other functionalcomponents of the processor circuitry 400.

Various other sensory inputs 418 provide a plurality of sensory inputscoupled to the information processor 402 allowing the animated character100 to be responsive to its environment and sensory signals from thechild. A tilt/invert sensor 420 is provided to facilitate single pulldouble throw switching with a captured conductive metal ball allowingthe unswitched CPU voltage to be provided at either of two input portsindicating tilt and inversion of the plaything respectively. The sensoryinputs 418 of the described embodiment are provided as push buttonswitches, although pressure transducers and the like may also beprovided for sensory input. The sensory inputs 418 are provided as amomentary push button controlled, e.g., a mouth sensor of the tongue ofthe plaything is acquired with the audio ADC provided as a switch-selectallowing the processor 402 to receive, e.g. the feed input with otherI/O inputs. Additional momentary switches are provided for the front andback sensors of the plaything respectively as push button sensory inputs418.

The motor interface provided between the information processor 402 andthe motor control block 414 controls the actuator linkages with theinformation processor 402. As described, the plurality of sensoryinputs, e.g., switch sensory inputs 418, and the audio (Mic In 1 and MicIn 2), and wireless wireless transmission 404, are coupled to theinformation processor 402 for receiving corresponding sensory signals.Computer programs referenced below in connection with the program flowdiagram for operating the embedded processor design embodiment ofAppendix A facilitates processing of the sensory signals for a pluralityof operational modes provided by the computer program with respect tothe actuator linkage operation and corresponding sensory signalprocessing for controlling the at least one actuator linkage to generatevoice interaction with the child with the plurality of movable memberscorresponding to each of the operational modes of the plaything whichprovides interactive artificial intelligence for the animated character100. As discussed, the animated character includes a doll-plush toy orthe like having movable body parts with one or more of the body parts ofthe doll being controlled by the plurality of movable members forinteracting with the child in a life-like manner.

The of the software program flow diagrams of Appendix_A, see programsP.1-P.48 below; provide for the operating of the embedded processorcircuitry described above. The program flow diagram uses the embeddedprocessor circuitry 400 for initialization, diagnostics, and calibrationroutines are executed prior to the normal run mode of the processorcircuitry 400. As provided in connection with the general random table(P.48), pseudo random values are introduced. For example, when pushbutton sensory inputs 418 are activated, inputs e.g., 0, 1, 2 areprovided instead of always adding 1 when an input is triggered once.This adds a random increment when sensory inputs are being triggered.The mean value of the pseudo output may be set to unity (1) to haverandomness factor of trigger for fluency calculation. There are threeconditions for fluency counting to increase: (a) Each time that theanimated character HEARS and UNDERSTANDS a word, that word's Fluencyincreases (+5 each time for “each” word). The fluency parameter will beupdated in each VR response; (b) each time that the animated characterSPEAKS a word, increase that word's Fluency by +1—the fluency parameterwill be updated in each Phrase in ENGLISH response; or (c) every hourthat Furby has some interaction with the player, ALL words increase by+1, e.g, a hourly check of any key/VR within the previous hour. The flowcharts also address the now fluency mechanism references to the fluencyincreasing (OOV response and ‘I don't understand’ response). Variousartificial intelligence (AI) and sensor training functions are providedin which training between the random and sequential behaviormodification of the animated character, allowing the child to providereinforcement of desirable activities and responses. In connection withthe AI functions, appropriate responses are provided in response toparticular activities or conditions, e.g., bored, hungry, sick, sleep.Such predefined conditions have programmed responses which areundertaken by the animated character at appropriate times in itsoperative states. Accordingly, summarizing the wide range of life-likefunctions and activities the compact and cost-effective toy 100 hereincan perform to entertain and provide intelligent seeming interactionwith a child, the following is a description of the various abilitiesthe preferred animated character 100 has and some of the specifics interms of how these functions can be implemented, in subroutines orprograms P.1-P.48 (Appendix A) as follows.

-   P.1 Game Play Flowchart-   P.2 Power Up Sequence-   P.3 Game Play Loop-   P.4 Idle Mode-   P.5 OOV Response-   P.6 Acknowledgement Response-   P.7 Time Out Response-   P.8 Mischief Mode-   P.9 Initiate Response-   P.10 Main Input Mode-   P.11 Main Input Mode (Furbish)-   P.12 Story Mode-   P.13 Song Mode-   P.14 Joke Mode Entry-   P.15 Joke Player Response-   P.16 Joke Correct Respond Sequence-   P.17 End Joke Sequence-   P.18 Hungry Mode-   P.19 Play Mode Entry-   P.20 Furby Select Action (Play Mode)-   P.21 Game Over Handle (Play Mode)-   P.22 Player Tilted Furby (Play Mode)-   P.23 Player Too Slow (Play Mode)-   P.24 Dance Mode-   P.25 Love Mode-   P.26 “How are you” mode-   P.27 Sleep Response-   P.28 Sleep Mode-   P.29 Deep Sleep Mode-   P.30 Sensor Check-   P.31 Tilt Mode-   P.32 Petting Mode-   P.33 Tickle Mode-   P.34 Feeding Mode-   P.35 Question Mode-   P.36 Yes No Response-   P.37 Don't Understand Handle-   P.38 Furby to Furby Mode Entry-   P.39 Furby to Furby VR Check-   P.40 Furby to Furby VR Check pt ½-   P.41 Furby to Furby VR Check pt ¾-   P.42 Furby to Furby VR Check pt 5-   P.43 Play Phrase Handling-   P.44 Fluency Handle During VR Check-   P.45 Hourly Fluency Handle-   P.46 Try Me Mode (Part 1)-   P.47 Try Me Mode (Part 2)-   P.48 General Random Table

While there have been illustrated and described particular embodimentsof the present invention, it will be appreciated that numerous changesand modifications will occur to those skilled in the art, and it isintended in the appended claims to cover all those changes andmodifications which fall within the true spirit and scope of the presentinvention.

1. An electrically controlled animating apparatus for simulatinglife-like movements, the apparatus comprising: a front facial area, abody and a plurality of movable body parts thereof; sound generatingcircuitry for generating speech including multisyllabic words; aplurality of sensors for detecting external inputs; a controllerresponsive to the plurality of sensors; said controller being operableto control the sound generating circuitry; a mouth assembly on the frontfacial area comprising flexible molded material having upper and lowermouth portions and having first and second opposing corners thereof; afirst mouth mechanism operable with the mouth assembly for controllingthe first and second-corners of the mouth assembly to definesmile/emotion states of the mouth assembly responsive to external inputfrom sensed conditions of the plurality of sensors; a second mouthmechanism operable with the mouth assembly for controlling the upper andlower mouth portions to provide lip synchronism response to themultisyllabic words generated with the sound generating circuitry; adrive system that powers movement of the first and second mouthmechanisms independently to simulate life-like responses to sensedconditions; a first control shaft for the first mouth mechanism drivenfor rotation by the drive system; a second control shaft for the secondmouth mechanism driven by the drive system; at least one of the first orsecond control shafts having a predetermined range of rotation forcausing movement of at least one of the plurality of movable body partsin addition to the first or second mechanisms.
 2. The animatingapparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein said first control shaft causesmovement of at least one of the plurality of movable body parts inaddition to the first and second corners of the mouth assembly.
 3. Theanimating apparatus as recited in claim 2 wherein said drive systemfurther comprises a first reversible motor which powers the rotation ofsaid first control shaft for movement of the corners of the mouthassembly, and a second reversible motor which powers the rotation ofsaid second control shaft for movement of the upper and lower mouthportions of the mouth assembly.
 4. The animating apparatus as recited inclaim 3 further comprising a mechanical coupling between said secondmotor and said second control shaft for transmitting rotary output powerfrom the second motor to the second shaft for rotation thereof.
 5. Theanimating apparatus as recited in claim 4 wherein said at least one ofthe plurality of movable body parts includes a foot portion, androtation of said second control shaft in a direction causes movement ofsaid foot portion and rotation of said second control shaft in anopposite direction causes movement of said second mouth mechanism forcontrolling upper and lower mouth portions of said mouth assembly. 6.The animating apparatus as recited in claim 5 wherein said mechanicalcoupling comprises one or more of a shuttle gear or a clutch mechanismbetween said second motor and said second control shaft for transmittingrotary output power from the second motor to the second shaft forrotation of said second control shaft in the direction causing movementof said foot portion and rotation of said second control shaft in theopposite direction causing movement of said second mouth mechanism. 7.The animating apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein said controllerprovides the animating apparatus with a plurality of states comprisinganimating apparatus modes that include excited, sleeping, and wakingmodes.
 8. The animating apparatus as recited in claim 2 wherein said atleast one of a plurality of body parts includes one or more of thefollowing: an ear assembly; an eye assembly; an eye lid assembly; aplume assembly; a brow assembly; and a chest assembly.
 9. The animatingapparatus as recited in claim 2 wherein said first and second corners ofthe mouth assembly pivot to a neutral state an up/smile state and adown/frown state.
 10. The animating apparatus as recited in claim 9wherein said first control shaft has a neutral position in thepredetermined range of shaft rotation with the corners of the mouthassembly in a neutral state.
 11. An animating system comprising: meansfor generating speech including multisyllabic words; means for detectingexternal sensor inputs; means for controlling the means for generatingspeech responsive to the means for detecting external sensor inputs;said means for controlling being operable to control a mouth assemblycomprising flexible molded material having upper and lower mouthportions and having first and second opposing corners thereof; saidmeans for controlling being operable to control a first mouth mechanismoperable with the mouth assembly for controlling the first and secondcorners of the mouth assembly to define smile/emotion states of themouth assembly responsive to external input from sensed conditions; saidmeans for controlling being operable to control a second mouth mechanismoperable with the mouth assembly for controlling the upper and lowermouth portions to provide lip synchronism response to the multisyllabicwords generated with the sound generating; and means for drivingmovement of the first and second mouth mechanisms independently tosimulate life-like responses to sensed conditions including a firstcontrol shaft for the first mouth mechanism driven for rotation by thedrive system, and a second control shaft for the second mouth mechanismdriven by the drive system with at least one of the first or secondcontrol shafts having a predetermined range of rotation for causingmovement of at least one of the plurality of movable body parts inaddition to the first or second mechanisms.
 12. The animating system asrecited in claim 11 wherein said first control shaft causes movement ofat least one of the plurality of movable body parts in addition to thefirst and second corners of the mouth assembly.
 13. The animating systemas recited in claim 12 wherein said drive system further comprises afirst reversible motor which powers the rotation of said first controlshaft for movement of the corners of the mouth assembly, and a secondreversible motor which powers the rotation of said second control shaftfor movement of the upper and lower mouth portions of the mouthassembly.
 14. The animating system as recited in claim 13 furthercomprising means for coupling between said second motor and said secondcontrol shaft for transmitting rotary output power from the second motorto the second shaft for rotation thereof.
 15. The animating system asrecited in claim 14 wherein said at least one of the plurality ofmovable body parts includes a foot portion, and rotation of said secondcontrol shaft in a direction causes movement of said foot portion androtation of said second control shaft in an opposite direction causesmovement of said second mouth mechanism for controlling upper and lowermouth portions of said mouth assembly.
 16. An animating methodcomprising: generating speech including multisyllabic words; detectingexternal sensor inputs; controlling a mouth assembly comprising flexiblemolded material having upper and lower mouth portions and having firstand second opposing corners thereof for generating speech responsivethereto and detecting external sensor inputs; controlling a first mouthmechanism operable with the mouth assembly for controlling the first andsecond corners of the mouth assembly to define smile/emotion states ofthe mouth assembly responsive to external input from sensed conditions;controlling a second mouth mechanism operable with the mouth assemblyfor controlling the upper and lower mouth portions to provide lipsynchronism response to the multisyllabic words generated with the soundgenerating; and driving movement of the first and second mouthmechanisms independently to simulate life-like responses to sensedconditions including a first control shaft for the first mouth mechanismdriven for rotation by the drive system, and a second control shaft forthe second mouth mechanism driven by the drive system with at least oneof the first or second control shafts having a predetermined range ofrotation for causing movement of at least one of the plurality ofmovable body parts in addition to the first or second mechanisms. 17.The animating method as recited in claim 16 wherein said first controlshaft causes movement of at least one of the plurality of movable bodyparts in addition to the first and second corners of the mouth assembly.18. The animating method as recited in claim 16 wherein said controllingprovides a plurality of states comprising modes that include excited,sleeping, and waking modes.
 19. The animating method as recited in claim18 wherein at least one of a plurality of body parts includes one ormore of the following: an ear assembly; an eye assembly; an eye lidassembly; a plume assembly; a brow assembly; and a chest assembly. 20.The animating method as recited in claim 17 wherein said first andsecond corners of the mouth assembly pivot to a neutral state anup/smile state and a down/frown state, and said first control shaft hasa neutral position in the predetermined range of shaft rotation with thecorners of the mouth assembly in a neutral state.
 21. An electricallycontrolled animating apparatus for simulating life-like movements, theapparatus comprising: a front facial area of a character head and aplurality of movable parts thereof; a mouth assembly on the front facialarea comprising flexible molded material having upper and lower lips andhaving first and second opposing corners where the lips meet; a firstmouth mechanism operable with the mouth assembly for animating the firstand second corners of the mouth assembly; a second mouth mechanismoperable with the mouth assembly for animating the upper and lower mouthportions for animating the lips between opened and closed positionsindependent of the first mouth mechanism; a drive system that powersmovement of the first and second mouth mechanisms independently tosimulate life-like responses and for causing movement of at least one ofthe plurality of movable parts in addition to the first or second mouthmechanisms.
 22. The animating apparatus as recited in claim 21 whereinsaid first and second corners of the first mouth mechanism are moveablebetween neutral, up/smile state and down/frown states.
 23. The animatingapparatus as recited in claim 21 wherein said drive system furthercomprises a first reversible motor which powers the movement of thecorners of the mouth assembly, and a second reversible motor whichpowers the movement of the upper and lower mouth portions of the mouthassembly independently.
 24. The animating apparatus as recited in claim21 wherein the drive system facilitates the animating apparatus with aplurality of states comprising animating apparatus modes that includeexcited, sleeping, and waking modes.
 25. The animating apparatus asrecited in claim 24 wherein the plurality of modes includes movement ofone or more of the following moveable parts: an ear assembly; an eyeassembly; an eye lid assembly; a plume assembly; a brow assembly; and achest assembly.
 26. An electrically controlled animating apparatus forsimulating life-like movements in a front facial area of a characterhead, the apparatus comprising: a molded flexible elastomeric mouthincluding upper and lower lips having center portions and opposite sidecorners where the lips meet, the mouth including attachment points atthe center portions and corners; a first animation mechanism foranimating the mouth for simulated talking movement by moving theattachment points at the center portions; and a second animatingmechanism independent from the first animating mechanism for moving theattachment points at the corners to simulate mouth movementcorresponding to facial expression; wherein the first and secondanimating mechanisms act to distort the elastomeric mouth to achievesimulated talking movement and facial expression as the animatingmechanisms are operated.
 27. The animating apparatus as recited in claim26 comprising a drive system that powers movement of the first animationmechanism independent of the movement of the second animation mechanismfor providing simulated talking movement or facial expression, or acombination thereof as the animating mechanisms are operated.
 28. Theanimating apparatus as recited in claim 26, said elastomeric mouthcomprising a neutral undeformed position, wherein the second animatingmechanism moves the attachment points at the corners to deform theelastomeric mouth from the neutral undeformed position.
 29. Theanimating apparatus as recited in claim 28 wherein said opposite sidecorners where the lips meet are moveable between neutral, up/smile stateand down/frown states with the second animating mechanism.